Following a 12-month refurbishment, The Datai Langkawi is ready to reveal its newly renovated interiors and facilities.
Originally designed by late Australian architect Kerry Hill and designer Didier Lefort of award-winning Paris-based studio DL2A, the luxury resort, nestled in a 10-million-year-old rainforest, has made a name for itself since its inception in 1993 with understated luxurious designs that pay homage to the coastline, rainforest and local culture.
The refreshed resort will offer guests nature- and culture-based experiences, promote Malaysian hospitality to the world and reaffirm The Datai Langkawi as an unparalleled luxury destination.
“The vision was very clear from the start,” said general manager Arnaud Girodon. “We wanted to refresh the spaces whilst maintaining the signature Datai DNA. We made sure local materials and inspiration from the environment, surroundings and culture were used so our regular guests will still feel very much at home when they return.”
Interior designer Didier Lefort added, “It was important to maintain a deep connection to the original vision of a luxurious retreat seamlessly integrated into the 10-million-year-old virgin rainforest. The approach marries simplicity, modernity and creativity with inspirations from the local environment, culture and materials.”
The resort has 121 rooms, suites and villas, all of which have been refreshed with lighting enhancements, a warm, sophisticated colour palette and decked out with the latest technology that ensures contemporary comfort.
As part of the refurbishment, a new Nature Centre has been added to the resort’s facilities. Led by renowned naturalist and author Irshad Mobarak, the open-air centre, which takes the form of a tribal bamboo longhouse, will offer guests opportunity to discover the unique flora and fauna of Teluk Datai through fun, educational nature walks. There is also a tea corner with curated teas made from traditional Malay herbs and spices from native plants.
To protect this unique natural habitat, sustainability is also a key component of the resort. Guests are provided with stainless steel drinking flasks instead of single-use water bottles, for instance, and sustainable bamboo toiletries are used in all rooms. At the Organic Wealth Centre, organic waste is transformed into nutrition for the garden at the Worm Farm, where the worms decompose buffalo manure and food waste to produce bio-fertiliser.
Dining options abound with authentic Malaysian cuisine at The Gulai House, an award-winning restaurant; signature Thai restaurant The Pavilion, situated atop 30-metre stilts with views of the rainforest; The Dining Room, The Beach Club and The Beach Bar, The Lobby Lounge, and opportunities for private dining.
Other facilities include spa villas that sit in the rainforest; The Els Club Teluk Datai, a 18-hole par 72-championship golf course; water sports and recreation; The Health Club with equipment for tennis and cycling; The Boutique featuring local merchandise; and The Atelier where guests can enjoy arts and crafts workshops.